Help Mason Surf Designs open a shop
Donation protected
My name is Drew Mason and I created Mason Surf Designs to build top quality handcrafted surfboards heavily influenced by 1950s, 60s, and 70s style designs. In today's market, the three main U.S. manufacturers in the surfing industry produce computer generated, cookie-cutter boards that seriously limit a consumers customization options. Surfing and board building heritage has always been based upon the Shaper + Surfer relationship; building a board by hand for the individual, not producing a generic board for the masses. I've been shaping boards for 10 years, and surfing for 20. From the first time I rode a board at the age of 9, surfing and the surfing community have played a major role in my life. My goal is to share that experience through my designs and make boards that continue and strengthen the tradition of Shaper + Surfer + Community. And since surfing is a lifestyle in addition to being a sport, I want Mason Surf Designs to be a lifestyle brand and offer all the necessary clothing, accessories, and home goods for the surfing consumer to live a happy and full life. With your help and support, I can achieve that goal.
MasonSurfDesigns.com
What We Need & How It Helps
Since starting Mason Surf Designs in 2012, I’ve struggled to design, shape, finish and sell my boards without the benefit of a consistent and dedicated workplace. For those unfamiliar with the process of making a surfboard, it begins by ordering a blank (unshaped surfboard block of foam), shaping the blank into the final surfboard shape based off of various templates, fiberglassing the board (to waterproof the foam and give strength), and then marketing and locating a customer. The total time it takes for a board to be made is about 6-8 weeks. Without a shop or space of my own, I'm currently using four different locations to get the board from rough to finished. The risk of the board getting damaged in transit is fairly high and, once finished, I don't have an easy way to market it and attract customers.
Why I need your help
My biggest business challenge is not having a shop. I need a space with a shaping bay in the back to make boards and a small storefront for products. Your contribution will give Mason Surf Designs a face; a physical address where anyone can come and be a part of the craftsmanship and community that are unique to surfing. The $50,000 goal of my campaign will allow me to find and lease space for a shop, establish a shaping bay and storefront, and stock it with my hand-crafted boards, as well as surf-related clothing and accessories.
(Some of my boards at Waterman's Guild)
What's In It For You?
While this campaign is geared towards opening a shop, once established, a part of every sale will be donated to nonprofits like Surfrider Foundation and to sponsor kids to attend summer camps like surf camp or junior lifeguards. By helping me, we help each other, bringing community together. You will be aiding in community awareness and solidarity, and you will also receive Perks for your support!
Other Ways You Can Help
The biggest challenge in meeting or exceeding my goal is getting the word out to enough potential supporters. In order for social media to be effective, it requires a network of family, friends and community. Word of mouth and personal relationships can also play a significant role in making my campaign a success. Please help and share this campaign with everyone you know. Click on the links below to share on your social media boards. Send a link via e-mail to friends. Talk to people you meet and help spread the word about my campaign.
I have the experience, craftsmanship and knowledge to do the job. With your help, I can open my Mason Surf Designs shop and achieve my vision of Shaper + Surfer + Community.
Stretch Goal #1 - $70,000
The second most important asset after acquiring a shop is purchasing a shop van. Getting blanks, moving boards, and shipping product will be easier and more efficient with a Mason Surf Designs cargo van.
Stretch Goal #2 - $100,000
Finally, surfing isn't all about being in the ocean, it's a lifestyle. Sandals, boots, candles, wallets, shaving goods, denim... all contribute to this lifestyle. I'd like to be able to offer the best products available for men, women, and home from quality makers. If I reach this goal, I will be able to supply essentials for everyday life, in and out of the water.
MasonSurfDesigns.com
What We Need & How It Helps
Since starting Mason Surf Designs in 2012, I’ve struggled to design, shape, finish and sell my boards without the benefit of a consistent and dedicated workplace. For those unfamiliar with the process of making a surfboard, it begins by ordering a blank (unshaped surfboard block of foam), shaping the blank into the final surfboard shape based off of various templates, fiberglassing the board (to waterproof the foam and give strength), and then marketing and locating a customer. The total time it takes for a board to be made is about 6-8 weeks. Without a shop or space of my own, I'm currently using four different locations to get the board from rough to finished. The risk of the board getting damaged in transit is fairly high and, once finished, I don't have an easy way to market it and attract customers.
Why I need your help
My biggest business challenge is not having a shop. I need a space with a shaping bay in the back to make boards and a small storefront for products. Your contribution will give Mason Surf Designs a face; a physical address where anyone can come and be a part of the craftsmanship and community that are unique to surfing. The $50,000 goal of my campaign will allow me to find and lease space for a shop, establish a shaping bay and storefront, and stock it with my hand-crafted boards, as well as surf-related clothing and accessories.
(Some of my boards at Waterman's Guild)
What's In It For You?
While this campaign is geared towards opening a shop, once established, a part of every sale will be donated to nonprofits like Surfrider Foundation and to sponsor kids to attend summer camps like surf camp or junior lifeguards. By helping me, we help each other, bringing community together. You will be aiding in community awareness and solidarity, and you will also receive Perks for your support!
Other Ways You Can Help
The biggest challenge in meeting or exceeding my goal is getting the word out to enough potential supporters. In order for social media to be effective, it requires a network of family, friends and community. Word of mouth and personal relationships can also play a significant role in making my campaign a success. Please help and share this campaign with everyone you know. Click on the links below to share on your social media boards. Send a link via e-mail to friends. Talk to people you meet and help spread the word about my campaign.
I have the experience, craftsmanship and knowledge to do the job. With your help, I can open my Mason Surf Designs shop and achieve my vision of Shaper + Surfer + Community.
Stretch Goal #1 - $70,000
The second most important asset after acquiring a shop is purchasing a shop van. Getting blanks, moving boards, and shipping product will be easier and more efficient with a Mason Surf Designs cargo van.
Stretch Goal #2 - $100,000
Finally, surfing isn't all about being in the ocean, it's a lifestyle. Sandals, boots, candles, wallets, shaving goods, denim... all contribute to this lifestyle. I'd like to be able to offer the best products available for men, women, and home from quality makers. If I reach this goal, I will be able to supply essentials for everyday life, in and out of the water.
Organizer
Drew Mason
Organizer
Los Angeles, CA
